Panthers NFL Draft: 5 Linebacker Targets
Five linebackers the Carolina Panthers could be targeting in the NFL Draft…
The Carolina Panthers top positional unit could arguably be at linebacker. However, veteran Thomas Davis is nearing retirement and superstar Luke Kuechly has missed games in back-to-back seasons with a concussion. The status of these two individuals cannot be taken for granted moving forward.
Even more the reason that general manager Dave Gettleman needs to begin addressing the depth at the position with the 2017 draft. Bringing in a rookie to play alongside to stars of their position can only aid in their development.
There exist other areas of the roster to tweak before focusing on linebacker but Gettleman and head coach Ron Rivera need to have a plan in place to avoid a collapse should either Davis or Kuechly miss time again in 2017. Following are five mid-to-late rounders who could hear their name called when the Panthers are on the clock to address the depth issue at linebacker.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1. BEN BOULWARE, Clemson (6’0″ – 240 pounds)Projected Round: 3-5
In 2016, Boulware collected 116 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, one interception, two passes broken up and three forced fumbles. He has some athletic and speed limitations for the NFL in pass coverage, but he was a gritty college run defender. For the next level, Boulware could be best as a run-down defender in a 3-4 defense.There has been some hype around Boulware, but sources say they aren’t buying it. In preseason study, they say Boulware has not impressed them in terms of his athleticism and speed.
Boulware had 82 tackles with 3.5 sacks, seven passes broken up, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions last year. As a sophomore, he recorded 40 tackles with an interception and a sack.
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Delton Williams (22) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ben Gedeon (42) during the 2nd half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
2. BEN GEDEON, Michigan (6’2″ – 243 pounds)Projected Round: 3-5
Gedeon is a similar prospect to former Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan, but the post-knee injury version of Ryan. In 2016, Gedeon totaled 106 tackles with 15.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and two passes batted. It was a huge jump over his junior (34 tackles), sophomore (17 tackles) and freshman (19 tackles) totals when he was a backup. Gedeon is a tough run defender, but he could have limitations, athletically, for pass coverage in the NFL.
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker (18) during the first quarter in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3. ANTHONY WALKER, Northwestern (6’1″ – 245 pounds)Projected Round: 2-4
Walker gained 20 pounds prior to the 2016 season, and sources say that has cost him some of his speed and explosiveness. He could have used 5-10 pounds to help get off blocks in the NFL, but his 20-pound weight gain appears to be too much. Sources preferred him at the lower weight, and his per-game averages were down. In 2016, Walker recorded 105 tackles with 10 for a loss, four forced fumbles, two sacks, five passes broken up and one interception. Sources have said they were really disappointed with Walker’s senior season.Northwestern had a good team in 2015 and was led defensively by Walker as he totaled 122 tackles with 20.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four passes batted, one forced fumble and one interception. Walker reminds me of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David.
Against the run, Walker is tremendous when he goes unblocked. He is very fast to fire into the hole, bolt into the backfield, or get to the perimeter. Walker has good very good read-and-react skills and instincts.
The NFL is a passing-driven league, so Walker’s pass-coverage skills are the first area to scrutinize. He has shown an impressive ability to cover backs out of the backfield, and in the 2015 season opener, he was running stride for stride with the superb, speedy Stanford play-maker Christian McCaffrey on routes out of the backfield. Walker has the ability to cover in man, but really is excellent in zone.
There are some areas where Walker could improve. With his listed size, he could use five to 10 pounds of muscle to help take on NFL running backs. When offensive linemen fire off the ball and get to him, Walker is in trouble. He is good to take the block on, but he struggles to hold his ground or shed the block. That comes back to his size and needing more strength. Shedding blocks is the biggest area that Walker should seek to improve.
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Sep 15, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) reacts after tackling Cincinnati Bearcats running back Mike Boone (not pictured) for a safety in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Houston won 40-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
4. TYUS BOWSER, Houston (6’3″ – 244 pounds)Projected Round: 4-6
Bowser was looking for a huge senior season, coming off of a junior year where he started every game, making 50 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Unfortunately, a fight with one of his teammates resulted in his missing a month with a broken orbital bone. He overcame that setback to still garner second-team all-conference honors, leading the team with 8.5 sacks among his 12 tackles for loss in just eight games. Bowser played basketball and football over his first two years on campus. He played all games on the gridiron as a freshman (26 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks) and sophomore (13 tackles, 3.5 TFL, three sacks), starting once each season.
*Analysis via Lance Zierlein at NFL.com
Oct 29, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Richie Brown (39) tackles Samford Bulldogs running back K’rondis Larry (17) at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
5. RICHIE BROWN, Mississippi State (6’2″ – 245 pounds)Projected Round: 4-6
On the year, Brown had 102 tackles with 1.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss, two passes broken up and one forced fumble. He is a solid run defender.Brown was a contributor as a freshman and sophomore, but he took his game to another level as a junior. In 2015, Brown totaled 109 tackles with 13 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes broken up, and an interception. He was a solid tacker and also displayed good instincts.
With Chris Jones and Beniquez Brown in the NFL, Richie Brown will take on a bigger role in 2016, and he could easily surpass his tackle production from last year. For the NFL, showing pass-coverage ability along with the speed and athleticism to be a three-down starter is critical for the senior.
*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com
Carolina needs a linebacker now to learn from both Kuechly and Davis in the middle of the defense. The improved play of Shaq Thompson has been obvious and playing in line with two superstars has aided his development. If the Panthers can find a pick here who can contribute in two years time it will have been a success.
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